Abstract

Background: Research has investigated whether communication technologies (e.g. mobile telephony, forums,email) can be used to transfer digital information between healthcare professionals and young people who livewith diabetes. The systematic review evaluates the effectiveness and impact of these technologies oncommunication.Methods: Nine electronic databases were searched. Technologies were described and a narrative synthesis of allstudies was undertaken.Results: Of 20,925 publications identified, 19 met the inclusion criteria, with 18 technologies assessed. Fivecategories of communication technologies were identified: video-and tele-conferencing (n = 2); mobile telephony(n = 3); telephone support (n = 3); novel electronic communication devices for transferring clinical information (n =10); and web-based discussion boards (n = 1). Ten studies showed a positive improvement in HbA1c following theintervention with four studies reporting detrimental increases in HbA1c levels. In fifteen studies communicationtechnologies increased the frequency of contact between patient and healthcare professional. Findings wereinconsistent of an association between improvements in HbA1c and increased contact. Limited evidence wasavailable concerning behavioural and care coordination outcomes, although improvement in quality of life, patientcaregiverinteraction, self-care and metabolic transmission were reported for some communication technologies.Conclusions: The breadth of study design and types of technologies reported make the magnitude of benefit andtheir effects on health difficult to determine. While communication technologies may increase the frequency ofcontact between patient and health care professional, it remains unclear whether this results in improvedoutcomes and is often the basis of the intervention itself. Further research is needed to explore the effectivenessand cost effectiveness of increasing the use of communication technologies between young people andhealthcare professionals.